Class
Article
College
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty Mentor
Briana Bowen
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 is an emerging biotechnology that allows scientists to edit genes and modify, delete, or correct exact regions of a person’s DNA. This technology could be the future of medicine in eradicating different genetic diseases and disorders and enhancing the quality of life around the world. CRISPR can be used to treat different cancers, blood disorders, AIDS, cystic fibrosis, and a variety of other diseases by going in and changing specific regions of DNA. However, why just eradicate disease when CRISPR can also enhance different characteristics, such as increase metabolism, improve eyesight, or enhance athletic ability? With the potential of not only eradicating disease, but enhancing desirable human qualities, there comes many ethical and societal concerns with CRISPR. For example, who gets access to CRISPR technology? Is it only developed countries with the technology? Is it only available to the wealthy? Which will leave those in underdeveloped countries and those without enough money for the services in a vulnerable state of not receiving adequate healthcare? Will it widen the wealth gap? Or create a caste system and divide the world up into those who have had gene editing and those who have not? Will it create super humans and leave everyone else in the dust? It could essentially lead to the ethnic cleansing of those with disabilities and of the poorer class. Furthermore, CRISPR technology allows for the potential of super militaries. Countries can use CRISPR technology to develop humans for their military that have super strength and other desirable traits for an army. My research will evaluate some of the social and ethical consequences and threats of CRISPR technology and provide suggestions for how to best mitigate those consequences and build a resilient framework as CRISPR technology advances. Presentation Time: Thursday, 12-1 p.m.
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-11-2021 12:00 AM
Included in
CRISPR and the Transhumanism Movement: Civilian and Military Ethics Reassessment Looming
Logan, UT
CRISPR/Cas9 is an emerging biotechnology that allows scientists to edit genes and modify, delete, or correct exact regions of a person’s DNA. This technology could be the future of medicine in eradicating different genetic diseases and disorders and enhancing the quality of life around the world. CRISPR can be used to treat different cancers, blood disorders, AIDS, cystic fibrosis, and a variety of other diseases by going in and changing specific regions of DNA. However, why just eradicate disease when CRISPR can also enhance different characteristics, such as increase metabolism, improve eyesight, or enhance athletic ability? With the potential of not only eradicating disease, but enhancing desirable human qualities, there comes many ethical and societal concerns with CRISPR. For example, who gets access to CRISPR technology? Is it only developed countries with the technology? Is it only available to the wealthy? Which will leave those in underdeveloped countries and those without enough money for the services in a vulnerable state of not receiving adequate healthcare? Will it widen the wealth gap? Or create a caste system and divide the world up into those who have had gene editing and those who have not? Will it create super humans and leave everyone else in the dust? It could essentially lead to the ethnic cleansing of those with disabilities and of the poorer class. Furthermore, CRISPR technology allows for the potential of super militaries. Countries can use CRISPR technology to develop humans for their military that have super strength and other desirable traits for an army. My research will evaluate some of the social and ethical consequences and threats of CRISPR technology and provide suggestions for how to best mitigate those consequences and build a resilient framework as CRISPR technology advances. Presentation Time: Thursday, 12-1 p.m.